Bibliography started for the Russell Schaefer Archives/Library of the Heritage Center:

Here are some items listed:

Norwegian language items:

"Salmebog," Meditations on daily basis based on scriptures, in Norwegian, given Pearl Stadem by Parents Alfred and Bergit Stadem for Pearl's Confirmation, August 2, 1927. Black, bound hand-sized book, published by Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, Minnesota

"Fredsbafunen," published in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the same type as the above book, but has name of owner, Mrs. Ole Larson, Northwood, ND on inside page of cover. Brown cover, loose from text.

"Olie i Karret," published by K. C. Holter Poublishing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1907. Name in ink on contents page is: Bergit Stadem

no cover, but a paper title page, with some ink writing on it: "Matt. 25:1, Parable of the 10 Virgins" and "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved"

"DEN NORSKE AMERIKALINJE, 1910-1960, by Erik Vea, Johan Schreiner, and Johan Seland, publisher Grondahl & Son, Oslo 1960. Has many illustrations, photographs, and graphs, showing the history and progress of the Norwegian American Shipping Line Company. It gives a good, illustrated history of Norwegian emigration to America. Donated to Pearl Ginther by her long-time Norwegian-American friend and fellow Lutheran churchwoman, Odney Wise.

In this rather large volume is most of a chapter telling about "Overingenior Endre Johannesen Svanoe," a Svanoe relative of Rennard Marion Svanoe, a grandson on his father's side of of the Rev. Atle Svanoe (a Norwegian American pastor and author) and of Alfred Stadem (on his mother's side). Endre Johannesen Svanoe was an engineer of some considerable authority and renown in the company, for his picture appears in which he is wearing a notable medal. We hope to have most of the chapter translated and transcribed to these pages for your viewing.

"Pearl's Notes," From Pearl Ginther's Notepad, no date, in which she makes notes for a talk to an unknown group or meeting, perhaps a church group. Her notes detail her thoughts on her own briefly stated Life Bio and Life Themes, also her views on the value and importance of godly Christian parents who promoted Christian education for their children, Faith, Christian giving, Positive vs. Negative Thinking, etc.

"Ten Studies in the Catechism," by Jacob Tanner, Professor of Dogmatics, Luther Theo. Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, published by Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, Minnesota, with name of Mr. Robert L. Ginther, 633 N. Minnesota, Sioux Falls, SD. No cover, a printed booklet.

"The Christian's Treasure," by E. E. Byrum, paper cover, published by Gospel Trumpet Company, Anderson, Indiana, Copyright 1937. Picture and other titles by E.E. Byrum at 75 years of age. Contains scriptures in large type, one scripture per side of page, arranged in categories, such as prayer, The Sinner's Hope, Troubles, Trials, Temptations, Doubts, Faith, Despondent, Discouraged, Encouragement,Comfort, the Sick and Afflicted, Prisoners, Missionary, He That Giveth, Helpful Scriptures, Consecration. Name written inside cover is: Mr. Robert L. Ginther, 633 north Minnesota, Sioux Falls, SD.

Certificate of Award, Hamlin, SD, Chas. Arnold, County Superintendent of Schools. Certifies that Pearl Stadem of Dixon School District, No. 3, Hamlin County, SD, has made forty-five perfect recitations in spelling and thus is awarded this certificate, June 16, 1923, by Chas. Arnold, County Superintendent. Inside cover states: "The quality which you put into your work will determine the quality of your life. The habit of insisting on the best of which you are capable, of always demanding of yourself the highest, never accepting the lowest or second best, no matter how small your reward, will make all the difference to you between success and failure."

Schoolday Memories of Pearl Stadem, Class of 1931. Class Autograph Book. Black bound, hand-sized book. Contains numerous writings and autographs from classmates and teachers at Augustana Academy, Pearl's graduation year of 1931. "Hans Nielsen Hauge," A short Account of the Life and Work of Hauge, by C.B., 1890. Paper cover. Illustration of Hans Niesen Hauge as a younger man inside cover. Decorah-Posten Book Store, Decorah,Iowa, sold this book. Given Pearl Stadem Ginther by her parents, Alfred and Bergit Stadem, Christmas 1948.

"The Rescue," the daring rescue of seven missionaries (one, David Anderson, the author of the book, a graduate of Augustana Academy)from the Bering Sea after their plane was ran out of fuel and went down. 1995. Fellowship Publishing, Tempe, Arizona.

Frank Vust's "Praise is Comely," Psalm 33:1, Psalm 118.23. From Introduction:

"On a number of occasions, it has been expressed tome--at a particular time, very urgently--that it coujld be expected to prove to be a real blessing to others if I wrote and published what I saw as God's leading and God's teaching in connection with the life and death of our son, Paul Vust, who was born ont he 10th of August, 1944, and was relieved from earthly suffering on the 23rd day of February, 1959. [Paul Vust would be 15 years old at time of death]"

Millennial Calendar, 1999-2000, by Ronald Ginther, 1960 Graduate of Augustana Academy, Unbound paper calendar is based on Augustana's Yearbook, the Saga, for 1927 and 1959, using illustrations and pictures from them. Calendar is dedicated to Mrs. Lilian Heide, (1907-1989) Teacher at Augustana. She taught History (beginning 1956) and was Librarian until the school's closing. The ribbons that bind the pages show the class colors for 1960. There is a short history of A.A.

PLEASE RETURN FOR MORE BIBILIOGRAPHY ITEMS. THIS SECTION WILL HAVE ITS OWN PAGE SOON, AS THERE ARE SO MANY ITEMS TO BE LISTED, IN THE DOZENS OR EVEN HUNDREDS.

Archives from the Library of the Heritage Center:

One of the most important features of the Heritage Center will be the Archives and Library, named the Russell Schaefer Memorial Archives and Library. Letters from family and friends, momentos and cards and pictures, books in the Norwegian language, special family books and documents including Atle Svanoes's book first published in Norwegian in 1910 and then translated by Gordon W. Gunderson and republished by Rennard Svanoe, 1989, farm history documents, we will need glass cases for the more perishable items and also bookcases to house the items. We will feature ten copies of Barbara Vorseth-Benson's Stadem Genealogy Book for use and reference by Stadem-Vorseth-Holbeck descendants. A complete computer system to view the Plain View Heritage websites with all its materials on-line is also a part of the projected Memorial Library. Stadems, friends, and guests of the Heritage Center can do research or just browse to their heart's content on these fascinating items. We will have a Stereoscope and pictures of Norway, authentic museum piece that it is. Albums by the dozens too jammed with family pictures going back to Sjur and Oline Stadheim. A Video TV will be available to play family videos. Stadem family matriarchs and patriarchs are on video telling stories of old Plain View Farm. We also have Ginther family movies of the Farm and the Stadems as well as innumerable friends, collected together on a video. All this will make a living contribution to the younger generation, as well as remind the older folks of what we are now passing to the ones who will take "the Glory of the Gospel and of our godly heritage" into the rest of this new century.

From the Archives: Here is a newspaper account about the Liberty Township History located in the northern part of Day County, South Dakota. This will give interesting details about how the territory was pioneered by Christian people, mainly Norwegians in that particular area. The early settlers lived in sod houses, just as the settlers in the Bryant area, including our own Alfred Stadem and his father Peter Stadem and mother Marie and his siblings. This account was researched and composed by the pupils of School District No. 124, and submitted for publishing in the paper (Webster, SD, we believe), sometime in the mid or later 1950s by Miss Beverly Fishbeck and her class. The ending paragraph is especially significant, as well as sentence, "Filled with a Christian spirit, they held the first church meeting at..."--which goes to show that our country's soil was first settled and tilled by Christian people, which completely contradicts what statements of the recent president, who should know better, who has said to the world America is not a Christian society or a Christian country.

"Liberty Township History," by Pupils of the School of Liberty Township, District No. 124

Fellow Christians, here is a most stirring and timely challenge and wake-up call to the "sleep-walking churches and congregations" of today! Excerpted Prefatory Remarks to "The Work of Laypersons in Lutheran Perspective," by Atle Svanoe, along with biographical information about the author and also the translator:

"The Work of Laypersons in Lutheran Perspective," Prefatory Remarks, An Excerpt, by Atle Svanoe

IN LOVING, LOVING MEMORY, ALIDA SEVERINA STADEM SPILDE:

Alida Stadem Spilde passed to Glory in heaven, to be with Jesus her Savior and Lord, March 28, 2008, in Sioux Falls. Heaven has gained a truly beautiful soul. Below is Alida Stadem Spilde standing beside the Stadem gospel sign beside a main road.

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IN LOVING MEMORY TO ALIDA STADEM SPILDE on the Buffalo Mound Web Site

Card Picturing Augustana Academy and Comments (her words are given below the picture) from Katrine (Catherine or Tena) Holbeck Lundring to Niece Pearl and her husband Bob Ginther, July 22, 1945:

Dear folks big and small, I feel kind of sad today, it is just one year on the hour now since your uncle ( "Tena" Katrine Holbeck Lundring's husband, Albinus Lundring, who had just passed away] went away. I know I should not wish him back when I know he went home to be with Jesus. I am well and working hard pulling weeds, cutting grass, have just painted walls in D. room and kitchen, picked 50 quarts of strawberries, canned some but was so glad to have something to give away to friends. I have a nice big garden. It has been cool, but now the Lord has put the heat on the two last days. Thanks for letter, cards and pictures. Will soon take a trip to Bryant. Rev. Hofstads are gone to N. Dakota for a year. Send me a card, Bernice, please. Lots, lots of love, Aunty

Here is a music album signed for Pearl Ginther after a concert with a "God bless you!" by the Lawrence Welk show star, the fantastic Norwegian accordianist, Myron Floren

To order a beautiful color copy of Pearl Ginther's Confirmation Certificate, please write Ronald Ginther, P.O. Box 212, Puyallup, WA 98371, or write to Pearl Ginther, at same box number and address. Your free will Heritage Center gift of any amount can be sent written out to "Eloise Hefty, Secretary, Heritage Center, Plain View Farm," and all of it will all go to that project. We ourselves will pay from our own money for the postage for sending you the copy.

Youngest Son of Alfred and Bergit Stadem Travels to Bergen and Vik With Wife and Some of their Family:

From the Archives, Leroy Stadem writes from Bergen to his eldest sister Pearl Stadem-Ginther:

Dear Sis Pearl, here we are in Great Grandpa's town where he was a policeman [or watchman] about 150 years ago. Thought of him as we worshipped and communed at Dom Kirken this A.M. Wondered if this was his church--it's about the 12th century old. Yesterday we were in Vik where Sjur (Great Grandpa) was born, baptized and married. Our Grandpa Peter Johan was born here! We met Lars Stadheim in Vik. He is our third cousin! His farm is on the old Stadheim Farm! We'll tell more at the reunion. Hope our pictures turn out. Tomorrow we head Mandal way! Love, Bro. Leroy.

Tribute Poem to the Memory of Arthur Donald Stadem, "Winter's Child" (Arthur Stadem was born on the day of a most beautiful, even magical looking ice storm in winter):

"Winter's Child," Tribute Poem in Memory of Arthur Donald Stadem, With Special Pictures and School Documents and the Song, "O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go," found in his "Little Bible"

Arthur's own written Autobiography, with some Remarks by his Nephew Ron Ginther, and his father, Alfred Stadem, who also relates the letter from Arthur's roommate at Augustana College describing his dear friend:

Arthur Stadem's Autobiography (1946)

Excerpts from Alfred Stadem's "Golden Wedding Anniversary Reminiscences" Letter to the Relationship, August, 1958:

Alfred Stadem's Reminiscences of 50th Anniversary

Mrs. Opal Stime's Letter to Pearl Ginther, Dec. 10, 1947 postmarked, telling how she is distributing the Gospel Tract concerning the Funerals of Bob Ginther and Arthur Stadem:

Mrs. Opal Stime's Letter to Pearl A. Ginther concerning the Gospel Tract

Excerpt from "Have You Met the Bethlehem Babe?", by Clarence Kopp, The Lutheran Digest, Winter, 1964:

"When the Fischer quintuplets of Aberdeen, South Dakota, were born last September, the event was heralded to the four corners of the earth. There was much excitement and ado. As these quintuplets grow up, there will be many eager to meet them.

In striking contrast, when the Bethlehem Babe was born, His birth created no excitement. Only a handful knew about it. There was no rush to meet Him and become acquainted. Even 2000 years after His incomparable philosophy and way of life have been made known throughout the world, there is no great demand to meet Him. Grave doubt even exists that many in Christian circles today have not really met him.

Mere knowledge of Christ's mission in the world, membership in a Christian congregation, oral confession of faith and observing ecclesiastical forms and ceremonies do not necessarily mean you have met the Babe in the Manger in the true sense of the word.

Suspicion that there are many in the church whose acquaintance with the Babe in the Manger does not go deeper than religious formalism is widespread, not only among non-Christians, but also among church leaders who are in a strategic position to observe. Among them is Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, speaker of the International Lutheran Hour, who recently expressed that opinion in the public press during an interview. He called attention to the conspicuous number of professing Christians who do not live what they profess to believe [we shall see if we can get a transcript of his interview remarks for the Heritage Center--Ed. There is also this interesting connection, as the Lutheran Hour was broadcast for many years from the Black Hills stav church you see featured on this page! The Augustana Academy Choir provided the music too!--Ed.].

A national magazine not long ago published an article in which churchmen ventured a percentage estimate of truly converted Christians in their respective denominations. Spokesmen for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod estimated it to be about 33% of the denomination's membership. One place the percentage at 35% and another 50%. The average of the estimates for the Baptists was 67%. 50% was the estimate for the So. Presbyterians.

While these estimates are subjective, rest purely on human judgment and may be far from correct, they nevertheless point up an awareness of a great disparity today between Christian profession and living on the part of the church members. This an an alarming weakness of the visible church today. It not only is an offense, but impedes the spread of the Gospel.

To meet the Bethlehem Babe is more than a formality. The Christ Child later explained what it means, when He said, "...by their fruits ye shall know them. Not everyone that sayeth unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

In other words, it is the evidence and the quality of fruitfulness that differentiates among the professed followers of the Master. This also emphasizes the importance of really having met the Babe of Bethlehem. It calls for serious self-examination."

FROM THE PLAIN VIEW FARM HERITAGE CENTER ARCHIVES:

From our Archives (Pearl's Day Book used in the 40s in Sioux Fall):

News paper clipping: "How Hayti Was Named," Story written by Joan Jorgenson, Third Grader. In 1907, S. Cole and his son, A. Cole, lived east of where Hayti is now. They wrote a letter to Washington, D.C. wanting to name the new post office Lake View. The men in Washington, D.C. said that there were too many towns with that name so they had to think of another name. His father was twisting hay to burn when his son showed the letter. The older Mr. Cole said as a joke, "We should name it Haytie." So the next day they wrote a letter to Washington saying they would like to name the post office "Haytie." But somehow in Washington they dropped the last "e," so now it is just Hayti.

MORE FROM OUR PLAIN VIEW FARM ARCHIVES: This story is part of the Stadem literature, coming to us, as our best "omtrint" or by guess, from Alfred Stadem: It is the 1944-published life story of a Norwegian boy, John O. Dyrnes, who was born and brought up in a poor, struggling family on the island of Smolen in north-eastern Norway. Losing his father early was a hardship for them all. But John had a spark of something that lifted him above the drudgery of trying to scrape out a living on the island. Finding secluded spots outdoors, he was always reading every book he could get his hands on after he had done his chores on the small farmstead of his family's. John had a calling from early age apparently from God, for he emigrated to America and, hungering for more knowlege, mastered English and eventually went to school in St. Paul, Minnesota, later graduating from Augsburg College. Further medical training made him a doctor while he was an energetic member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Paul, and then he was authorized and sent with his young wife to Madagascar, where he became a medical missionary under the auspices of the Lutheran Board of Missions. He served most sacrificially there until his wife's death and not long after his own death in 1943, after 43 years of labors there for the sake of the people, spiritually and physically, and also for the missionaries there who had, before his coming, perished from disease that he could have averted. He was born just six years after Oline and Sjur Stadem left Norway to begin a new life in America. I do not know exactly how we have his life story, as I have asked my mother and she does not recall. But perhaps Grandpa Alfred Stadem knew of him, or had heard him speak on furlough, and acquired the booklet, and it came down to us through my father and mother from Grandpa. However it happened, here is a man who should not be forgotten. It is truly a life spent completely for the sake of Christ and His Church.

FROM THE ARCHIVES, A FINNISH SAINT, MATHILDE WREDE:

"In Convict Cells," the Story of Mathilda Wrede of Finland, by W. G. Wilson, Chapters 1-2

"In Convict Cells," Chapter 3, & 4 (Conclusion)

From the Archives/Library of the Heritage Center:

Hanger (Stadem) Sisters

In Memory Of:

Esther Alida Dede

Esther Dede, the daughter of Erick and Annie (Stadem) Hanger was born on December 9, 1915 at Bryant, SD. She died after a lingering illness at her own home on Saturday, Oct. 5, 1985 at the age of 69 years.

She grew to adulthood and attended school at Bryant, SD. She was baptized and confirmed in the American Lutheran Church. Esther was united in marriage to Dick Dede on March 29, 1933 at Watertown, SD. There were four children born to this marriage.

Esther and Dick lived for several years at Bryant, and then lived in Rapid City, SD, Billings, MT, and Sun City, AZ, before returning to Bryant, SD to retire four years ago. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the ALCW (American Lutheran Church Women) in the church.

Among survivors who are grateful for having shared in her life are her husband, Dick of Bryant, SD, two sons Dick Jr. and Bill of Billings, MT, ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. Edna Koistinen of Lake Norden, SD and Mrs. Helen Gustafson of Chicago, IL.

Mrs. Dede was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, one son, Leland Dede, and one daughter, VaLoy Alexander.

Her Homecoming to Heaven service was held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bryant, SD, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1985, at 10:30 AM. Clergy were The Rev. Arthur Larson and Intern, Mark Rydberg. Organist was Mrs. Geneve Josephson. Singing was provided by the Rev. Arthur Larson. Interment was at Our Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, Bryant, SD. Casket bearers were Nels Horsted, Keith Landers, Cliff Ruotsalainen, Tom Chapin, Dick Lusk, and John Brown. Arrangements were by Osthus Funeral Home, Bryant, SD.

Pearl Ginther says she knew Esther and her sisters, and "chummed" with them, when they were young.

From the Archives, In Memory of Katrine (Catherine, Tena) Holbeck Lundring:

A birthday card with a unique message to her niece, Pearl Stadem Ginther, on her 60th birthday is penned by a loving, 85 year old aunt:

Aunt Tena's Birthday Card

Letter to Niece Pearl Stadem Ginther from Caroline McLoed, sister to Alfred Stadem, Jan. 22, 1947, Los Angeles 14, California

My Dear Niece, Remember your Aunty helped bring you into this world. And am so sorry about what happened [Bob Ginther's death in the plane crash early January, 1947]). I know you love the Lord and look to him for everything. And I know he will help and guide you in caring for the nice children. I appreciate the pictures so much, and your nice card. And Pearl this sorrow, I can't see why it had to be, but God must have other plans. And I know he helps us to carry our burdens if we look to him in love and Faith. I've had many trials [Pearl says Aunty Caroline's husband was a very difficult person for a husband]. But I can see today he never left me for a minute even during the time of my wedding, marriage, when I didn't ask him for any favors he was helping and guiding me through it all. Ethel said on her Xmas card, she joined church while Kenny was in Japan. And since he came home they all belong to Lutheran church and go to Sunday School with the children. She has 2 lovely boys. I saw her children many times kneel and pray for Daddy's safety, and return from Japan. Maybe that was God's way for her salvation. I pray my children all will find Jesus and love him with all their hearts. Bernice wrote me about the accident. Whgat are you going to do? Write me Pearl. And I understand Cora is near you, am I right? Mae has 2 adopted children, Allen Lee 4 yrs, Gay [?] 3 years, sweet looking, well behaved children, Ethel says. I remember you all in my prayers. You all pray for we, please.--Aunty Caroline

[Written on lined school notebook paper, in pencil.

From the Archives, In Memory Of Mrs. Gurina Stadem:

Gurina Stadem was the second wife of Peter or Peder Stadem, son of Sjur and Oline. She taught their son Bernard to weave. She wrote this in Norwegian to Alfred Stadem, her step-son whom she raised from early youth.

From the Archives, a Card from Mrs. Anne Ginther, wife to John Ginther, father to Bob Ginther who was married to Pearl Stadem Ginther and had seven children with her before his death in 1947. This card written in pencil comes from Grandmother Ginther to Pearl Ginther, a new widow, about eight months after Bob's death in a plane crash when he was 42. His aged parents resided on a small farm that Pearl and Bob bought for them in Hayti, South Dakota, so they would have something to retire on. The postcard is addressed to "Derrel & Lorian Ginther," from Mrs. J. Ginther, Darrell and Lorin being her oldest male grandchildren.

Sep. 8, 1947, Hayti. Dear Children, thank you for the nice plums. How are you all. How is mother. I wish I could see you all and drive ponies again if I only could see you write and tell me. I ?? love to see you. I wish you were here. Grandpa is ?? not so good. I been sick. God bless you. All write Ann.

"In Loving Memory of Myrtle Waldow," is also offered here in the following link:

"In Loving Memory of Myrtle Waldow," by Ruth Stadem Harrington

Letter by Schaefers to Luther Svanoe:

"Bernice and Russell Schaefer's Letter to Luther Svanoe, June 19, 1994

Rangen Thanksgiving/Christmas Letter, 2003:

"Joseph Rangen's Thanksgiving/Christmas Letter, 2003"

In Loving Memory of Cora Elvera Fjelstad:

In Memory of Cora Elvera Fjelstad